He returned to his desk, opened the folder again, and studied Rachel’s documents. Everything showed a woman who fought tirelessly despite harsh circumstances.
“Mia,” he said finally, “I can’t promise anything. But I won’t let your mom lose this chance without being heard.”
Her eyes widened with hope.
“So… you’ll help her?”
Daniel nodded.
“I’m going to the hospital to speak with her myself.”
A knock interrupted them. A building security guard stepped inside.
“Mr. Reyes,” she said tensely, “we have a situation. A man is downstairs demanding to take the girl. He refuses to give his name.”
Mia’s face went pale.
“It’s him…” she whispered. “He found me.”
Daniel’s stomach tightened.
“Don’t let him inside,” he ordered. “Call the police if he insists. Mia stays with me.”
When the guard left, Daniel knelt beside the trembling girl.
“Mia… tell me exactly what happened last night.”
“My dad… he came home drunk,” she said. “Mom told him to leave. He got angry and pushed her. She hit her head. I called the ambulance.” Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn’t break. “If Mom couldn’t come today, everything she suffered would be for nothing.”